Bastian Schweinsteiger has warned Manchester United’s strikers must show a greater “killer instinct” in front of goal or endure another season without silverware.
United drew 0-0 against West Ham on Saturday, their fifth goalless draw in nine outings, and Schweinsteiger said they must start taking chances if they are to compete in what has become a surprisingly open title race.
“In every game we create chances but haven’t scored. When that is not the case it is not easy to win matches,” he said. “We need a goal otherwise you cannot talk about winning a trophy because we should be winning at home to West Ham.
“It is a lot of things, First of all you have to create the chance with the last pass. Then the guy who was the opportunity they have to feel that they want to score a goal and are going to score a goal. It is a mix of everything.”
Louis van Gaal’s side have the best defensive record in the Premier League but have only scored 20 goals in their 15 games and Schweinsteiger, who will find out on Monday if he faces disciplinary action for a clash with Winston Reid, believes there are several reasons behind the disappointing return.
“If you miss a chance you have to be unhappy. When you are a striker, a big striker, like a Ronaldo, Messi and Thomas Müller the same. It is about attitude. They want to score goals. They have quality but they want to score goals. You need the attitude that you want to score.
“Our players are not scared in front of goal, no. It is all about the killer instinct. We have players who have the abilities but we need it in every game. Every match is like this against West Ham it is not as if every game is 4-0 at half time so you have to score your goals.
“Of course we have chances and we had the chances to win this match but we have to score. With luck or whatever you have to score. The feeling that the players want to score we need to have more of this. We are trying. We are creating and that is a good thing. But when you get a draw you are not satisfied. It is a pity but we are still in the race.”
United play Wolfsburg on Tuesday in their crucial final Champions League group match and the midfielder, whose leadership skills have been talked up by Van Gaal in the absence of the captain Wayne Rooney, is wary before the trip to the Volkswagen Arena.
“It is very important for us and I know how difficult it is at Wolfsburg. They have won a lot of matches at home. It is not easy. Bayern lost there once when Wolfsburg won 5-1 the year they won the Bundesliga.
“But Bayern also won there 6-1. It is a mix of memories but they are very strong there. They will come at us more because they are at home. Maybe that will be better for us.”
